According to the press release for The Helio Sequence’s latest effort, Negotiations, the album’s sound was shaped by nature itself. Back in 2009, their practice space was completely flooded thanks to some faulty pipes. Luckily, they were on tour at the time, so most of their good equipment was with them. The band found a new place with more room — specifically, more room for instruments — and filled the space with analog gear, including tape delays and tube amps. The resulting work is warmer and more ethereal than before, comprising a strong and inviting album.

The amount of sound that the duo of Brandon Summers and Benjamin Weikel can create in the space of each song is astounding by itself. But the way Weikel has programmed his synths and tailored his drums, how Summers has crafted his guitar lines, and how it’s all finally submerged in acres of reverb is truly remarkable. The album is both winter sparse and fireplace warm. — Consequence of Sound